Nintendo Crush Microsoft And Sony With 3DS Record Sales

Nintendo's 3DS has become the fastest selling game console yet, beating the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.

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Although a handheld gaming device, 200,000 Nintendo 3DS units were sold in only 37 weeks, beating all home and handheld consoles before it. This includes Sony's PS3, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's own Wii.

Even though the 3DS' 3D gaming might prove appealing to some, the real show stopper is its range of games and vast consumer demographic appeal. Nintendo has positioned the device as an educational tool (with games such as Dr Kawashima's Brain Training), a Wi-Fi powered internet companion and even a capable 3D camera.

Others are loyal fans of Nintendo's Super Mario franchise who have been rewarded with six new Mario Brother games, including the recent Mario Kart 7.

There were concerns regarding the handheld's sales in August, which saw the 3DS drop by 40% in price after being on the market for only 6 months. In Australia, the price fell by a $100, from $349 to its current $249.

Following the discount sales jumped 260% compared to the same period the year before.

The new record will see some confidence returned to the handheld console market following fears mobile gaming would usurp its customer base.